if me DD’s odds

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:How does she have a 4.1 uw? She seems like a great well-rounded kid but I don't see anything distinctive (in terms of excellence) in her profile. If she's applying as an Art major with an awesome portfolio, maybe? If she writes amazing essays and has strong teacher recs?

But I'd encourage her to focus on T30-50 schools.

This is silly. My ds is nowhere near any of this and got into five 30-50 schools 2 years ago non ED. OP's dd has a shot ED at non HYP Ivy for sure.

Gender is an important factor. Girls majoring in the humanities are not exceptional. And things have only gotten more competitive in the past two years.

They most certainly are. She has a great chance but did you say major? Art is, of course, portfolio based.

What? No. Male humanities majors get the biggest bump in admissions. Followed by female STEM majors. Girl humanities majors overall are disadvantaged, because they are overrepresented. Male STEM majors are also disadvantaged due to overrepresentation.

If she's not locked into a major at the time of application, strategically she should consider expressing interest in majoring in art. Would help her stand out a little. She can always drop it to a minor later on.

You are way out of date. To reiterate your absurd point: female humanities majors are at a disadvantage vis a vis other majors. Um, no. They have a big advantage — just not as big as males. Not only are your larger points wrong, but your smaller points are as well: history is a “boy” major. Yes, English is a “girl” major — but there are not enough English majors, so schools want them. Female STEM applicants, as you call them, are at a major — pardon the pun — disadvantage for biological/environmental sciences, which are female-dominated. As for other STEM majors, do you really think schools want more science or CS applicants, so long as they are female? Engineering schools like RPI? Sure. Anyone else? Nope.

I can only hope you are not in the “profession.” If so, get a new one.

DP, this is unnecessarily nasty and also not helpful.

Another DP. I also think it was inaccurate. I think the earlier PP was more accurate with the exception that STEM is oversubscribed across the board (unless a girl is applying to the likes of RPI or Union or Stevens, etc that are male heavy)

Agree.

You can take a fish to water...

[Anonymous]

If it’s Cornell would she take the sophomore year transfer option? Friend’s kid was deferred in ED and then offered that in RD. Kind of crappy but he is doing it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Laying it all out…She’s a full-pay white girl interested in the humanities BUT truly enjoys all subjects. Taking Calc BC next year, took AP Physics I this year and liked it (considered taking Physics C next year but didn’t really make sense since she’s not a STEM person and and will be taking 5 APs). She’s an old school liberal arts kid.

What are the most difficult classes at her high school and which ones is she skipping besides APphysics C?
Are there kids in her grade who took Calc BC this past year or earlier(10, 11th)? If yes, what % of the class?

Rigor matters a lot, in the context of the high school, especially for the super elites.

Her double legacy should help a lot though, as long as she does ED

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the exam grades for those 10 AP classes?
They will need to be all 5's

This has been asked and flagged as important, op ignored.

Not ignoring! Busy doing life. Anyway, she got a 4 on Euro last year. Waiting on 4 from this year (APUSH, Lang, Physics & Art). Next year she’s taking Lit, BC, APES, Spanish & US Gov.

Just being real: in our area, at the public magnet and the top private, this courseload/pathway is not enough even with the legacy bump for an ivy. No AP bio or chem or physics C, calc BC as a senior rather than the 15% who take it as a junior, and only 4 core APs done with scores by the time of application (top group has 6 done). It is school dependent so maybe at your school it is the most demanding coursepath but it would not be competitive for elites from ours unless a larger hook(FGLI, athlete) than legacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, and she doesn’t want to major in Art. Minor maybe. More interested in English and History.

English & history are way too mainstream & predictable for a female. Highly recommend she start a paper trail that makes it appear that she’s fascinated by philosophy, a field typically shunned by women. She can switch to English or History once she gets past the first semester.

History skews male in most places, especially when a 55-45 typical female-ratio is factored in. But posters are missing the point: the humanities are suffering so badly that even a female English major will have an admissions advantage over almost any non-humanities subject, including Psychology, Econ and all of STEM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, and she doesn’t want to major in Art. Minor maybe. More interested in English and History.

English & history are way too mainstream & predictable for a female. Highly recommend she start a paper trail that makes it appear that she’s fascinated by philosophy, a field typically shunned by women. She can switch to English or History once she gets past the first semester.

History skews male in most places, especially when a 55-45 typical female-ratio is factored in. But posters are missing the point: the humanities are suffering so badly that even a female English major will have an admissions advantage over almost any non-humanities subject, including Psychology, Econ and all of STEM.

What about other humanities majors like anthropology, women’s studies or sociology?

[Anonymous]

I posted earlier about my own DD's success. But I'm going to offer some additional advice to OP: Put aside the rankings and external prestige considerations and try to figure out what kind of school is best for your DD. I say this because I get the sense that the advice here is to focus getting into the most prestigious school rather than the one that is best for your kid.

For example, for some reason Cornell keeps getting mentioned, but it's unclear why. OP has said that his DD is an liberal arts type who likes art but is likely to major in English or History. OP also said that DD is doing a summer program at a SLAC and is interested in applying EDII to Wesleyan. William & Mary was also mentioned. Cornell is a great school and a great fit for many kids, but I don't see why, given the forgoing, it would be suggested in these circumstances.

Obviously its OP's DD's ultimate call. Maybe she would like Cornell. If so, great! But, to me, it sounds like she's more inclined toward a broader liberal arts education. Personally, given the little I know, I think Wes is a great choice, although I'd certainly recommend visiting before applying. I'd also encourage her to explore a number of SLACs, from reaches like Amherst (strong writing, open curriculum) to likelies like Kenyon (strong writing and art), which it sounds like OP is already doing. In terms of universities, I'd think that liberal-artsy, undergraduate-focused universities like Dartmouth (which is like a SLAC-hybrid), Brown (like a bigger version of Wesleyan), and William & Mary (great school) are all great options. FWIW, I think she's got a great shot at Wes in ED. Wes RD is much more unpredictable.

More superfluous advice to OP: I recommend building your DD's list from the ground up. Start by focusing on the schools at which she's a very likely admit, which are probably your public flagship and maybe William & Mary. If she can love one of those schools, it'll make your process so much easier and you'll be less likely to be disappointed. Whereas, if you start with, say, Harvard and Yale, you risk having every other school feel like something like a disappointment or settling-for school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted earlier about my own DD's success. But I'm going to offer some additional advice to OP: Put aside the rankings and external prestige considerations and try to figure out what kind of school is best for your DD. I say this because I get the sense that the advice here is to focus getting into the most prestigious school rather than the one that is best for your kid.

For example, for some reason Cornell keeps getting mentioned, but it's unclear why. OP has said that his DD is an liberal arts type who likes art but is likely to major in English or History. OP also said that DD is doing a summer program at a SLAC and is interested in applying EDII to Wesleyan. William & Mary was also mentioned. Cornell is a great school and a great fit for many kids, but I don't see why, given the forgoing, it would be suggested in these circumstances.

Obviously its OP's DD's ultimate call. Maybe she would like Cornell. If so, great! But, to me, it sounds like she's more inclined toward a broader liberal arts education. Personally, given the little I know, I think Wes is a great choice, although I'd certainly recommend visiting before applying. I'd also encourage her to explore a number of SLACs, from reaches like Amherst (strong writing, open curriculum) to likelies like Kenyon (strong writing and art), which it sounds like OP is already doing. In terms of universities, I'd think that liberal-artsy, undergraduate-focused universities like Dartmouth (which is like a SLAC-hybrid), Brown (like a bigger version of Wesleyan), and William & Mary (great school) are all great options. FWIW, I think she's got a great shot at Wes in ED. Wes RD is much more unpredictable.

More superfluous advice to OP: I recommend building your DD's list from the ground up. Start by focusing on the schools at which she's a very likely admit, which are probably your public flagship and maybe William & Mary. If she can love one of those schools, it'll make your process so much easier and you'll be less likely to be disappointed. Whereas, if you start with, say, Harvard and Yale, you risk having every other school feel like something like a disappointment or settling-for school.

Finally a solid, rational piece of great advice on the typically snarky DCUM

[Anonymous]

I know a kid like this. She went to Wake Forest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted earlier about my own DD's success. But I'm going to offer some additional advice to OP: Put aside the rankings and external prestige considerations and try to figure out what kind of school is best for your DD. I say this because I get the sense that the advice here is to focus getting into the most prestigious school rather than the one that is best for your kid.

For example, for some reason Cornell keeps getting mentioned, but it's unclear why. OP has said that his DD is an liberal arts type who likes art but is likely to major in English or History. OP also said that DD is doing a summer program at a SLAC and is interested in applying EDII to Wesleyan. William & Mary was also mentioned. Cornell is a great school and a great fit for many kids, but I don't see why, given the forgoing, it would be suggested in these circumstances.

Obviously its OP's DD's ultimate call. Maybe she would like Cornell. If so, great! But, to me, it sounds like she's more inclined toward a broader liberal arts education. Personally, given the little I know, I think Wes is a great choice, although I'd certainly recommend visiting before applying. I'd also encourage her to explore a number of SLACs, from reaches like Amherst (strong writing, open curriculum) to likelies like Kenyon (strong writing and art), which it sounds like OP is already doing. In terms of universities, I'd think that liberal-artsy, undergraduate-focused universities like Dartmouth (which is like a SLAC-hybrid), Brown (like a bigger version of Wesleyan), and William & Mary (great school) are all great options. FWIW, I think she's got a great shot at Wes in ED. Wes RD is much more unpredictable.

More superfluous advice to OP: I recommend building your DD's list from the ground up. Start by focusing on the schools at which she's a very likely admit, which are probably your public flagship and maybe William & Mary. If she can love one of those schools, it'll make your process so much easier and you'll be less likely to be disappointed. Whereas, if you start with, say, Harvard and Yale, you risk having every other school feel like something like a disappointment or settling-for school.

OP here. Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. We visited Wes and came away really impressed. It was the only school that had a professor on the panel and everyone - from the prof to the student to the AO on stage - was wonderful. Tour guide was also fantastic. I think it's a great size too. The biggest con was Middletown. Not much going on there and not easily accessible by public transportation.

Anyway, thank you for the above. Good advice and a sensible approach.

[Anonymous]

NP here. If she wants to go there, give it a shot despite what anyone here says. The reality is that we don't know what exactly schools are looking for in any given year.

This past year mine had a 3.98uw, same number of APs, no hooks, not a legacy, I think a 5 on one AP, a couple of 4s and a 1 on AP Physics, which made us all laugh because they killed it in that class. No research, non-profit, published work, awards or competitions. Not much of an athlete. Got into two Ivies in RD. It can happen. She should be sure of her recommenders and write a kick-ass essay, including a compelling response to the "Why School XYZ" prompt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. If she wants to go there, give it a shot despite what anyone here says. The reality is that we don't know what exactly schools are looking for in any given year.

This past year mine had a 3.98uw, same number of APs, no hooks, not a legacy, I think a 5 on one AP, a couple of 4s and a 1 on AP Physics, which made us all laugh because they killed it in that class. No research, non-profit, published work, awards or competitions. Not much of an athlete. Got into two Ivies in RD. It can happen. She should be sure of her recommenders and write a kick-ass essay, including a compelling response to the "Why School XYZ" prompt.

What test score? From public or private?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the exam grades for those 10 AP classes?
They will need to be all 5's

This has been asked and flagged as important, op ignored.

Not ignoring! Busy doing life. Anyway, she got a 4 on Euro last year. Waiting on 4 from this year (APUSH, Lang, Physics & Art). Next year she’s taking Lit, BC, APES, Spanish & US Gov.

Just being real: in our area, at the public magnet and the top private, this courseload/pathway is not enough even with the legacy bump for an ivy. No AP bio or chem or physics C, calc BC as a senior rather than the 15% who take it as a junior, and only 4 core APs done with scores by the time of application (top group has 6 done). It is school dependent so maybe at your school it is the most demanding coursepath but it would not be competitive for elites from ours unless a larger hook(FGLI, athlete) than legacy.

Nope. You don’t need Calc BC in 11th (AB in 12th is fine), APES is fine for a non-STEM major and many schools restrict access to APs so there is no way to even reach 6 APs by the end of 11th grade. Stop trying to push the idea that kids need to be sheep and all take the same exact coursework at hugely accelerated levels. This schedule looks extremely well rounded and impressive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the exam grades for those 10 AP classes?
They will need to be all 5's

This has been asked and flagged as important, op ignored.

Not ignoring! Busy doing life. Anyway, she got a 4 on Euro last year. Waiting on 4 from this year (APUSH, Lang, Physics & Art). Next year she’s taking Lit, BC, APES, Spanish & US Gov.

Just being real: in our area, at the public magnet and the top private, this courseload/pathway is not enough even with the legacy bump for an ivy. No AP bio or chem or physics C, calc BC as a senior rather than the 15% who take it as a junior, and only 4 core APs done with scores by the time of application (top group has 6 done). It is school dependent so maybe at your school it is the most demanding coursepath but it would not be competitive for elites from ours unless a larger hook(FGLI, athlete) than legacy.

Nope. You don’t need Calc BC in 11th (AB in 12th is fine), APES is fine for a non-STEM major and many schools restrict access to APs so there is no way to even reach 6 APs by the end of 11th grade. Stop trying to push the idea that kids need to be sheep and all take the same exact coursework at hugely accelerated levels. This schedule looks extremely well rounded and impressive.

DP : the point was it depends on the high school.Ours also has accelerated math and science such that Calc AB in 12th is bottom half of the school. They rarely get into UVA in state from that level. It seems unfair but out of 220 kids there are 100+ in higher levels and UVA is not going to go into the bottom half of any high school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How does she have a 4.1 uw? She seems like a great well-rounded kid but I don't see anything distinctive (in terms of excellence) in her profile. If she's applying as an Art major with an awesome portfolio, maybe? If she writes amazing essays and has strong teacher recs?

But I'd encourage her to focus on T30-50 schools.

At her school A+ is over a 4.0.

I tend to agree with you on your assessment. She is a very strong writer and should have great recs (physics and English teachers), but I don’t think there’s anything extraordinary…which ofc is what you need at those schools. She will submit her art portfolio… but I’m girding myself for bad news.

A female URM (Middle Eastern) student at my kid’s large public high school was accepted to Cornell Engineering test optional. Your kid has a great deal going for her. I believe she will have a good shot at Brown and Cornell. Best wishes.

FYI Middle Eastern is not an URM, it falls under “white.”